Cubs’ Zobrist starts minor league assignment in South Bend
CHICAGO >> Chicago Cubs utility man Ben Zobrist, who left the team three months ago to deal with a divorce, began a minor league assignment Friday with Class A South Bend.
Zobrist has been on the restricted list since May 8.
Cubs president Theo Epstein said he expects Zobrist will progress through the team’s farm system this month. Epstein did not provide a schedule for Zobrist’s return but said he trusts the 14-year veteran’s judgment.
“He would not be attempting to come back if he didn’t think he could play at a high level,” Epstein said. “He’s well aware of what it takes physically and mentally to prepare, especially at age 38. We’ll make a good decision. He’s not going to come back and embarrass himself.”
Zobrist was the MVP of the 2016 World Series when the Cubs beat Cleveland to end a 108-year championship drought. He was batting .241 with 10 RBIs through 26 games this season. Epstein said Zobrist would not be a full-time starter when he rejoins the team.
Pirates designate infielder Kang for assignment
PITTSBURGH >> Jung Ho Kang’s time with the Pittsburgh Pirates — and quite possibly in the major leagues — is over.
The team designated the South Korean third baseman/shortstop for assignment on Friday. Kang hit .169 with 10 home runs and 24 RBIs in 65 games this season.
The 32-year-old Kang signed with Pittsburgh in January 2015, becoming the first position player to jump directly from the Korean Baseball Organization to the majors. He made a splash as a rookie, finishing third in Rookie of the Year voting after hitting 15 home runs. His season ended abruptly that September when he broke his leg.
Kang returned in 2016 and hit 21 home runs before his career went into a tailspin after getting arrested in Seoul in December 2016 on charges of driving under the influence of alcohol.
Catcher Lucroy designated for assignment by Angels
CLEVELAND >> Catcher Jonathan Lucroy, who returned from a concussion and broken nose Wednesday following a home plate collision last month, has been designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Angels.
Lucroy was bowled over at home plate by Houston’s Jake Marisnick on July 7. He was placed on the 10-day injured list and missed 18 games. Lucroy was 2 for 4 against Detroit in his final game with the Angels.
The 33-year-old Lucroy batted .242 with seven homers and 30 RBIs in 74 games. He signed with the Angels in December.
Indians’ Salazar back on IL
CLEVELAND >> Cleveland right-hander Danny Salazar returned to the injured list with a strained right groin, one day after appearing in his first game in two years.
Salazar, troubled by injuries to his right arm the last two seasons, pitched Thursday for the first time since the 2017 AL Division Series. He allowed two runs in four innings against Houston.
Afterward, he said the groin bothered him during the game.